Accessible Tai Chi/Qigong for Women's Health

(REVIVE Trial)

This trial aims to determine if seated Tai Chi and Qigong can enhance health and well-being for women with mobility impairments. It addresses issues such as stress, sleep, and cardiometabolic health (conditions related to the heart and metabolism). Participants will either practice Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) or watch health education videos (HEV) over 12 weeks. Women who have used mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers for at least a year and experience stress or sleep difficulties might be suitable candidates. The goal is to create easy-to-access programs to improve overall health for these women. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of accessible health programs for women with mobility impairments.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if your medications substantially affect sleep, stress, or the autonomic nervous system, you may not be eligible to participate.

Studies have shown that seated Tai Chi and Qigong are generally safe for people, including those with mobility issues. Research indicates that these gentle exercises are easy on the body and suitable for older adults and those with physical limitations. For example, one study found that seated Tai Chi helped reduce falls among seniors and improved their overall health. Another study highlighted that seated Tai Chi can boost physical and mental well-being without causing major side effects. These findings suggest that the seated Tai Chi/Qigong treatment in the trial is likely to be well-tolerated and safe for participants.¹²³⁴⁵

Unlike traditional treatments for women's health that often involve medication or physical therapy, the seated Tai Chi/Qigong (TCQ) intervention is unique because it focuses on meditative movement tailored for women with mobility impairments. This method is delivered remotely via video, making it accessible and convenient for participants to practice in their own homes. Researchers are excited about this approach because it combines physical activity with mindfulness, which could offer holistic benefits such as improved mobility, mental well-being, and quality of life without the need for travel or intensive physical exertion.

Research has shown that Tai Chi and Qigong can enhance physical and mental health through gentle movements, breathing, and mindfulness. Studies have found that these practices help reduce stress and improve heart health by enhancing the heart's response to stress. Tai Chi and Qigong are also associated with better sleep and lower levels of depression and anxiety. In this trial, participants in the Accessible Tai Chi/Qigong arm will receive a 12-week remotely delivered seated Tai Chi/Qigong intervention, adapted for women with mobility impairments. For individuals with mobility issues, seated versions of these practices can offer similar benefits because they are adaptable and easy to follow. These early findings suggest that incorporating Tai Chi or Qigong could be a promising way to improve well-being among women with mobility challenges.